Press Releases

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State Accepting Public Comments on Modified Air Quality Permit for International Paper – Riegelwood Mill

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ)is now accepting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit modification for International Paper – Riegelwood Mill in Columbus County.

DEQ Strengthens Air Quality Permits for 2 Duke Energy Facilities that will Reduce Overall Emissions

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is issuing permit modifications to two Duke Energy facilities for the replacement of their coal units with gas turbines, after substantially strengthening the permits based on public feedback.

DEQ awards $3.6M for stream restoration, water management, recreation

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has awarded more than $3.6 million in grants to support stream restoration, water-based recreation and water management projects across North Carolina.

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to meet Jan. 8-9

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will meet in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of Department of Environmental Quality’s Archdale Building in Raleigh Jan. 8-9. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

Division of Coastal Management certifies two North Carolina Clean Marinas

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has certified two North Carolina Clean Marinas, a designation given to marinas that exceed minimum regulatory requirements. Sloop Point Marina in Pender County received certification in October. Calabash Marina in Brunswick County received certification in November.

Division of Coastal Management offers guidance for recycling natural Christmas trees for dune restoration

As we enter the holiday season, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is providing guidance to property owners, organizations and towns that plan to accept natural Christmas trees for use in dune restoration. Natural Christmas trees may be used as a substitute for traditional sand fencing but must be free of decorations and should be placed in a manner that meets the state’s rules for sand fencing.

REMINDER: Public Invited to Comment on DAQ Exceptional Events Demonstration Analyzing 2023 Canadian Wildfire Particulate Matter Impacts

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comments on an analysis of smoke impacts in North Carolina from the 2023 Canadian wildfires.

DEQ selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has been selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows. The project goal is to enhance the accessibility of GIS data produced by North Carolina’s communities through the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP), ensuring the data is available to residents and external stakeholders in a user-friendly and visually engaging format.

DEQ selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has been selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows. The project goal is to enhance the accessibility of GIS data produced by North Carolina’s communities through the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP), ensuring the data is available to residents and external stakeholders in a user-friendly and visually engaging format.

DEQ Expands Online Permitting with Launch of Four Applications

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has launched four additional online applications as part of the continuing effort to update and improve the permitting process.

Recordatorio: El 17 de diciembre se celebrará una audiencia pública sobre el permiso de vertido de aguas residuales de Lear Corp., se ha extendido el período para comentarios

La División de Recursos Hídricos del Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte celebrará una audiencia el 17 de diciembre para escuchar los comentarios públicos sobre la propuesta de renovación del permiso del Sistema Nacional de Eliminación de Vertidos Contaminantes para la planta textil industrial de Lear Corp. cerca de Kenansville.  El permiso regula los contaminantes vertidos en las aguas residuales de la planta.

UPDATE: Public Hearing for UNC Chapel Hill Cogeneration Facility Air Quality Permit Modification Relocated

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality’s (DAQ) upcoming public hearing for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) cogeneration facility will now be held at the Chapel Hill Town Hall.

REMINDER: Public hearing to be held Dec. 17 on Lear Corp.’s wastewater discharge permit, comment period extended

In addition to accepting public input at a public hearing on Dec. 17, DWR has extended the comment period for written and emailed comments. DWR will now accept written and emailed comments through 5 p.m Jan. 10.

Division of Marine Fisheries hosts introductory training sessions for the Observer Trip Scheduling System

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is hosting a series of public outreach meetings to train fishermen on the Observer Trip Scheduling System (OTSS). The OTSS is an automated system that will be used to schedule observer trips for Estuarine Gill Net Permit (EGNP) holders in North Carolina.

North Carolina sees widespread moderate drought

Most of North Carolina continues to experience moderate drought, according to the latest advisory from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.